still can't figure out subwoofer setup method

gmorris
gmorris Posts: 1,179
edited March 2004 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
I still can't figure out that sub setup method. (I think the good Dr. Spec gets credit for this method)

I finally got my subwoofer amp, after putting it off for 8 months. (http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12462)

So, I tried calibrating it the other day. I'm doing this by ear, don't have a SPL meter yet. I'm also using the test tones from the receiver, and the THX audio setup from any THX DVD.

My question is this: I can get the fronts, center & surrounds about the same level by ear, but the subwoofer doesn't work. The problem is the test tone is the same pink noise as the other speakers, but since the crossover for the sub is set at 60 Hz, I can't hear much at all from the sub. Even if I turn the sub amp volume up to max, and the sub out level on the receiver to max, the test tone is way too quiet.

I've been forced to play music with good bass, and try to adjust the sub this way. Why is the Dr.'s method not working? What am I doing wrong?
Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
Post edited by gmorris on
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Comments

  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited March 2004
    You need a test tone like the one's on Sound & Vision DVD, AVIA, etc. I think Monster's Inc has it also in the THX Optimizer.

    Don't keep your sub volume maxed, or you will get a nasty suprise when Darla taps on the glass in Finding Nemo.

    Regards,
    PolkThug
    Never Forget
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited March 2004
    Oh, I don't have the volume maxed. When I do start to play music, I turn the Rec. level to -5, per Doc's method, then adjust the volume knob on the amp. I'm sure after enough fiddling, I'll get it close enough. I just don't understand the point of these test tones if they are above the crossover frequency.

    So you're saying on an actual setup disc, there is a usable frequency for the sub test tone?
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited March 2004
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3086973542&category=1499

    Is this the Avia disc that everyone uses? Is this a good deal? $34 and NO SHIPPING. Does anyone else know where to get it cheaper?
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    So you're saying on an actual setup disc, there is a usable frequency for the sub test tone?

    Yes!
    Never Forget
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited March 2004
    is that ebay auction for the correct disc?
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3086973542&category=1499

    Is this the Avia disc that everyone uses? Is this a good deal? $34 and NO SHIPPING. Does anyone else know where to get it cheaper?

    I think Digital Video Essentials is only around $19.
    Never Forget
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited March 2004
    Order from Amazon.com (no affil.)
    Never Forget
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited March 2004
    Don't buy DVE! The sub tone on DVE is messed up. I have it and it doesn't come out right. I can't explain why but I'm sure Doc can...
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited March 2004
    ahhh here it is Doc Explains
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • gatemplin
    gatemplin Posts: 1,595
    edited March 2004
    Sound and Vision and Avia have the correct sub tones. You will need an SPL meter though. You can get them for about $40 from Radio Shack.
    Graham
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,018
    edited March 2004
    I have the same with my older Kenwood, the pink noise or even in the finding NEmo thx optimizer I can't hear the sub it sounds only like a stomach rumble. don't know what it will sound like on my new(to come yammie)
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited March 2004
    ok, Avia it is.... I'm a gonna get that one off ebay for $34...

    thanks everbody.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by tryrrthg
    ahhh here it is Doc Explains

    Nice catch! I forgot about that problem.
    Never Forget
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  • gacole2000
    gacole2000 Posts: 255
    edited March 2004
    You might also consider the Sound & Vision disc (amazon.com). It is Avia lite. Good price.
    AVR: Yamaha RX-V661
    DVD: Yamaha DV-C6480
    BR: Samsung 1600
    Mains: Polk RT55 (bi-amped)
    Center: CS300
    Sides: FX1000
    Rears: RT/FX
    Subs: SVS 20-39 PC+ 12.3 & DIY SVS 12.2
    Projector: Optoma HD70 w/ 106" Elite Screen
    Power: Panamax MAX 5100
    Remote: Harmony One
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited March 2004
    thanks everyone.

    I ordered the Avia disc from ebay. got it for $33.99. free shipping! the guy says he is going to drop it in the mail today, sending it first class. I should have it by the weekend, I hope.

    On another note, last night I picked up a pair of RTi70's for $300. Brand new!! Traded in my R30's for $200, paid the $100 difference, and left smiling. Giddee up!!!
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    On another note, last night I picked up a pair of RTi70's for $300. Brand new!! Traded in my R30's for $200, paid the $100 difference, and left smiling. Giddee up!!!
    NICE! Congrats on the new toys!

    I really need to find a weekend where we can get on over to Progressive Audio! My wife and I have just been so busy buying a house, most of that is finally done but then we have to worry about moving in a month! The good news is I'll be just down the street from Progressive!
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by tryrrthg
    NICE! Congrats on the new toys!

    I really need to find a weekend where we can get on over to Progressive Audio! My wife and I have just been so busy buying a house, most of that is finally done but then we have to worry about moving in a month! The good news is I'll be just down the street from Progressive!

    sure thing. whenever you get some time, i'm usually pretty flexible on the weekends.

    I would like to get a nice amp/pre combo or integrated amp to run the 70's for music only. The Onk is great for home theater, but I'd like a little more for 2 channel.

    I also got my subwoofer amp, finally. After putting it off for 8 months, I just said the hell with it, and charged it. Haven't had much time to calibrate it yet. The f-ing useless test tones on the receiver do not do **** for the subwoofer... ordered my Avia setup disc today.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited March 2004
    Cool I'll try to figure something out. Can't do it this weekend, wife's birthday...

    I just got a sub amp also for my DIY sonosub. I got lucky and Parts express had their 250 watt amp on scratch and dent for $90. The thing is in perfect condition, it had only been mounted by someone and then returned...

    Find yourself a used Arcam or NAD integrated amp at audiogon. I've bought all my stuff from that place, it's great. I like the Arcam sound better than the NAD but the Arcam will probably be a little more expensive.
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited March 2004
    I also just got the 250W Parts Express sub amp for my homemade JL Audio sub. I got a new one for $128, ordered it on Monday, had it in my paws on Tuesday.

    I'll check out Audiogon. I'll tell you what I wish I could find. An Anthem PVA-2 amp and TLP-1 Pre. Haven't found any used anywhere. I think they are too new yet. Of all the equipment I auditioned, I like the Anthem stuff the best so far.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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